The interview finds 29‑year‑old Erik Estrada midway through the series’ second season, taping scenes between interviews and a heavy workout that morning that prompts him to order three raw eggs, salad, and rice from the studio caterer.

He explains why “Henry Enrique Estrada” became “Erik Estrada” at nineteen: casting directors pigeon‑holed him as a “Spanish street greaser” before he even entered the audition room, so he kept his surname but chose a first name without ethnic markers to secure broader consideration.

With filming scheduled through February, Estrada lists side engagements: co‑hosting Dick Clark’s taped segments for the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve special, guesting on Merv Griffin, Dinah!, Hollywood Squares, and Challenge of the Sexes, and negotiating an NBC variety special that would mix location shoots in New York with music‑and‑dance numbers showcasing his developing vocal skills. A studio album is “being talked about,” but no contract is signed.

He contrasts years of type‑cast “knife‑and‑gun” heavies with the uniformed hero Ponch. MGM initially doubted he could carry a sympathetic lead, but producer Rick Rosner fought for him; 76 actors were screened, then 13, then five, before NBC accepted Estrada, largely because children responded to his pilot appearance. Estrada credits young viewers for proving that “I am an authentic hero type” and tours weekend auto shows in every state to meet fans, boost ratings, and earn extra income. He also laments NBC’s minimal print advertising for CHiPs, noting he compensates through personal publicity.

Fitness and image occupy much of the conversation. He exercises hard so he can “eat anything,” leans toward Japanese raw‑fish meals but indulges in cake, fries, or fried chicken when training allows, and consumes raw eggs only after especially strenuous days. Clothes matter (“I’m very fussy about what I put on my body”), yet he owns no conventional suits—only coordinated separates and two tuxedos. His prized possession is a 1966 Mercedes sedan he fully restored with professional help; future leases will run through his recently formed personal corporation.

Estrada lives in a four‑level Studio City townhouse filled with Art‑Deco antiques and plans to move his mother, sister, brother, and niece from Spanish Harlem to Los Angeles so the child “won’t have to grow up where we grew up.” He credits his late grandfather—who once emptied his pockets to help a neighbor girl—for teaching him generosity; that example shapes his desire to insulate family from economic insecurity.

Looking ahead, he intends to “ride this horse” until CHiPs secures his finances, then pursue roles that tap unexplored depths. For now he remains focused on playing hard, eating well, expanding into singing and variety, and ensuring that Saturday‑night audiences—especially kids—keep tuning in despite any network or rival‑show obstacles.

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